Council Highlights

This summary is not a full representation of the meeting. For the official record, please refer to the minutes on the next Council Agenda. Past Council Meetings are available for viewing on the Township’s YouTube channel.

Prior to the regular meeting of Council, a special meeting was held in accordance with the Township of Springwater’s Procedural By-law 2017-007.

Springwater United Soccer Association – Update

The Springwater United Soccer Association provided notice of its partnership with developer Geranium to access a soccer field in the Midhurst Valley Phase 2 area of Springwater, for use by the association in advance of the Township assuming the lands in the future. 

Township of Springwater and Severn Sound Environmental Association Climate Change Action Plan - Next Steps

The Township of Springwater and Severn Sound Environmental Association Climate Change Action Plan is a roadmap that outlines how the Township will reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHG), prepare for climate impacts, and build a more environmentally resilient community, operations, and infrastructure. The Township has obtained Milestone Two of the Five Step Milestone Framework that guides how Springwater will take action against climate change by reducing emissions.

Request for Facility Rate Amendment

The Elmvale Harvesters Senior AA Hockey Club asked Council to approve a targeted rate amendment that would allow the team to use the Springwater Room free of charge on game days for the upcoming season and future seasons.

Office of the Integrity Commissioner - Matter No. IC-35900-0326

Council considered Integrity Commissioner - Matter No. IC-35900-0326 regarding a Code of Conduct complaint pertaining to Councillor Garwood. The Integrity Commissioners report advised that there was no finding of contravention of the Council Code of Conduct. Council received the report following its consideration.

Office of the Integrity Commissioner - Matter No. IC-35801-0126

Council considered Integrity Commissioner Matter No. IC-35801-0126 regarding a Code of Conduct complaint relating to Mayor Coughlin. The Integrity Commissioner determined that there was a contravention of the Council Code of Conduct, specifically section 4 which speaks to the conduct of Members of Council. Following review of the report, Council adopted the recommendations contained in the report to impose a reprimand in the form of a meaningful public apology that acknowledges the Integrity Commissioner’s findings.

Elmvale District Highschool Donation Fund Ad Hoc Committee Funding Recommendation - EDHS Fit Trail Park

The recommendation from the Elmvale District Highschool Donation Fund Ad Hoc Committee to consider approving an upset limit of $185,215.44 from the Elmvale District High School fundraising account to help build the proposed Fit Park system on school property was approved by Council.

Delegation of Powers - Restricted Acts of Council "Lame Duck"

During the 2026 election period, Council may face temporary limits on certain decisions if enough current members cannot be re-elected. A By-law delegating certain powers to the Chief Administrative Officer under Section 275 of the Municipal Act, 2001 was approved by Council. 

Award of Winter Maintenance

The tender for winter services including fire hydrant clearing, rural snowbank blowing, and urban snowbank removal. Winter maintenance was awarded to Duncor Enterprises for approximately $473,860 excluding HST over the 2026/27 winter season, with an option to extend into 2027/28. 

Award of Project Elmvale Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades – Phase 2

The tender for the Elmvale Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrades for Phase 2 was awarded to Tatham Engineering Limited for $314,947.20. These upgrades will help the plant operate safely and reliably over the long term, meet current codes and standards, and fix issues related to operations, maintenance, electrical systems, monitoring, and health and safety.

Award of Project – Engineering Consultant for the Reconstruction of Albert Street West, Hillsdale

The project for an engineering consultant for the reconstruction of Albert Street West, in Hillsdale, was awarded to Tatham Engineering Limited for $89,960.00. This project will support the reconstruction of Albert Street West in Hillsdale, including new underground infrastructure, road and sidewalk improvements, and public engagement to keep residents informed.

Road Naming (Cameron Estates Phase 3) - 1200 Seadon Road

The proposed street names for Cameron Estates Phase 3, Collins Lane and McNeill Court, were adopted by Council. 

Cameron Estates Phase 3 - 1200 Seadon Road - Authorization to Execute the Subdivision Agreement & M-Plan

The Cameron Estates Phase 3 Subdivision is located at 1200 Seadon Road in the Snow Valley Settlement Area and is located west of the existing Cameron Estates Phase 1-2 Subdivision and east of the existing Snow Valley Highlands Subdivision. The draft plan received approval on March 18, 2026, for the development of 26 single-detached lots. Authorization to execute the Subdivision Agreement and M-Plan was authorized by Council.

Holiday Train 2026 - Site Relocation

The Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) Holiday Train is a popular event in Springwater, but the current location at Anne Street North and Highway 26 has become harder to manage safely because of traffic, parking, pedestrian movement, and site limitations. Even with extra safety measures in 2025, concerns remained. Relocation of the event to the alternate site next to the Tree Nursery Sports Park, which is expected to provide a safer and more manageable location for future events, was approved by Council.

Local Climate Action Change Plan Update

The Township’s next steps in developing Springwater’s Local Climate Change Action Plan includes endorsing a 15% corporate emissions reduction target and a 5% community emissions reduction target. Additionally, staff are directed to continue working with the Severn Sound Environmental Association (SSEA) to finalize the plan.

Community Improvement Plan (CIP) Application - Jack’s on Queen – 18 Queen Street West

The Community Improvement Plan grant of $3,833.05 for Jack’s on Queen to support signage and façade improvements was approved by Council.

OP-2024-001 & ZB-2024-002 (Bubel) - 1084 Coughlin Road

Council received the Official Plan and Zoning By-law adjustments needed for 1084 Coughlin Road to support a future subdivision in Anten Mills. The application updates the land use designation and zoning to allow residential development, a public park, stormwater infrastructure, and environmental protection areas, with development on hold until servicing and required agreements are in place.

ZB-2026-007 - 1662 George Johnston Road (Minesing Church – Tiny Hoppers)

Council received the Zoning By-law adjustment for 1662 George Johnston Road to allow the former Minesing United Church building to be converted into a daycare. A site plan application is also being reviewed to finalize the layout and design.

Springwater Health Services / Elmvale Community Hall and Knox Building Renewal

Council approved proceeding with the renewal and redevelopment of the Township-owned buildings at 33 and 35 Queen Street West in Elmvale to support physician recruitment, improve access to primary care, and preserve important municipal facilities. Council also approved initial design funding of $73,750 and a total project budget range of $1.625 million to $3.6 million, with staff to continue working with partners and report back at key milestones.

Extend 40km/hr Speed Limit on Old Second Road South to Pooles Road

Council requested that staff investigate whether the current 40 km/h speed zone on Old Second Road South could be extended farther south to Pooles Road. Staff will bring a report back to Council at a future meeting with their findings and recommendations.

Repair of Gazebo on Wendat Trail

The gazebo over the community mailboxes on Wendat Trail requires repairs. Council requested that staff complete the repairs by August 1, 2026, so the structure stays safe, functional, and in good condition for residents using the postal boxes.

Elmvale Lions Club Donation and Request for Service Club Grant Policy

Council approved a $2,500 annual contribution to the Elmvale Lions Club starting in 2026 to help cover property taxes, funded through Springwater Swing proceeds. Staff will report back in 2027 with a list of eligible service clubs and a draft policy for property tax grant support.